I have a 2014 with the standard single CD/MP3 radio with sync. The only thing I wish I had was satellite radio. I found a take off radio from a 2016 that has the same features as mine, plus satellite.

Can I just swap the radio and plug in the antenna to get satellite? Or does the dealer have to activate something?

Thanks!

 

To activate satellite you just have to call Sirius and give them the number that is in the radio and they will just turn it on. You need the antenna on the roof also. As for the radio itself you have to talk to the dealer. The radio has so much to do with everything like climate and seat controls.

 

Like Bone said, you'll need the antenna (the little bubble type) for satellite and you'll probably have to have a dealer flash the computer for you.
I'm not 100% sure, but I think these head units may be linked to the VIN, hence the need to reflash it from the original trucks's VIN to your truck's.
I also wanted built in navigation, so I went aftermarket. Fortunately, before I went with the current head unit (a Jensen) I had a little stand alone satellite radio installed by Best Buy. So when I self installed the new unit, the satellite antenna had already been installed and the wire hidden. So I just plugged into that antenna and didn't have to mess with the antenna installation. Looks like it could be a pain because the wire feeds through the cargo light and then has to be hidden under the carpet and moldings inside the cab. A time consuming pain in the butt.
As also noted, you'll have to pull the Sirius/XM radio number (available on the display) and contact Sirius/XM to activate it. You'll need a credit card to pay for the subscription. Personally, once that was done I opted to pay by mail. That way I can terminate it when I want, not have to spend endless hours on the phone either on hold or talking to someone trying to convince me to stay. And if you let it lapse, they'll usually send you something in the mail for a reduced price and you can reactivate.

 

Thanks guys, I'm mostly worried about the radio and getting it programmed to the truck since there are so many things linked to it.

But I guess even if I need to do that it doesn't seem like a big deal to have done at the dealer.

I'm planning to get the Ford antenna and mount it on the roof. I already have the antenna wire run down the pillar because it came with the new harness I used for my cab lights. Hopefully I'm not forgetting anything.

I also realized I'd get more features for less money going with an aftermarket unit, but I already installed the backup camera in the mirror and I'd rather use my GPS on my phone. I like the look of it being factory and it would seem off to have the backup camera in the mirror when I have a larger screen in the dash.